Greetings from campus!
The warmth has returned to New England, and with it the increased presence of spring. The grass is greener and the trees are starting to bloom. As far as the seasons go on Payson Avenue, springtime can't be beat. While students continue to work through the third trimester, the end is in sight. There are only 41 days until commencement for the class of 2023—and summer break to begin for the rest of the school. As you all remember, Spring Fever has hit fever pitch here.
Over the last few weeks we've welcomed accepted students back to visit the campus. Since I've returned, I've been told these days truly demonstrate the spirit of Williston Northampton and what makes it truly unique. This year was no different and students, faculty, and staff were proud to show off their school. But what was most impressive is the school didn't have to change much. Yes, we were all asked to smile, be polite, and be helpful to guests, but the day didn't feel much different than usual. It felt like the same welcoming and congenial place—a place where you can truly be yourself. As alums, you should continue to feel proud about this community.
As always, I encourage you to stop by and say hello. Over the last month I've had great visits with alumni and their families both on campus and on the road in Boston and Washington, D.C. I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Go Wildcats!
Steve Hoyt '95, P'25, '25 Director of Alumni Engagement
Reunion Is Coming!
Join us on campus for Reunion 2023, June 9-11, for a weekend of reconnecting, reminiscing, and rediscovering with your classmates and friends! We will be celebrating the classes ending in 3s and 8s, and hosting our first cluster reunion for 2016, 2017, and 2018, but as always, all alumni are welcome to attend. Early-bird discount is available through May 12. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus! Click Here to register today!
At Reunion we present the Alumni Awards and induct new members into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Join us to see your classmates honored. See the awardees below!
Founders Award, Michael G. Hirsch '73
Williston Northampton Medal, Elizabeth Wells McIlvain '73
Daniel and Jane Carpenter Award, Class of '68 Reunion Committee: Theodore S. Babcock '68, James E. Cain '68, Marc M. Griggs '68, Kent B. Haberle '68, Rockwell "Chip" Keeney, III '68, Donald R. Klock '68, Paul F. Wainwright '68,
Alumni Trailblazer Award, Kimberly Lindsey Gordon '03
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees, Chuck Vernon '62, 1967 Boys Soccer Team, Lou Arp '73, Shawn Benoliel Lawrence '78, Keith W. Brown '78, Jamie Gass '87, Christopher John Miller '93, Spenser Allaway '08, Coach William J. Lossone (Veteran Category)
View the Reunion schedule and see who's coming! New this year, see photos and messages from those registered!
Notes from Campus
Why Not Speak Day was once again a smash success. The eighth iteration of the day, which focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, started with a moving keynote address from Taylor Tucker, a dorm parent here at Logan House and a biracial, transgender man. After Tucker's address, students attended two workshop sessions of programming. Topics covered everything from toxic masculinity to the ethics of artificial intelligence. After enjoying an outdoor, campus-wide lunch, students rounded out the day by attending the Community Connections fair, where students and faculty shared their culture and heritage with everyone. Click here for photos.
One recent week showcased the depth and variety of the Grum Project Visiting Artist series! Dancer and Potter Kevin Shannon visited campus Thursday through Saturday working with our dance ensemble, as well as with our ceramics classes. Check out his work here and read a Willistonian feature about his visit here. Last Friday, artist Miguel Bregante and his theater company, La Mona Ilustre, presented their play Juan Salvador Tramoya, a Chaplinesque tinged tragicomedy that inquires the subtle and important difference between what others say we should be and what we really are. Prior to the show Miguel ran a workshop with theater arts. Click here for photos.
The Girls Varsity Water Polo team continues its winning ways. After a successful spring training in Florida the team traveled to Pennsylvania to face local high schools. Currently, the team is undefeated and focused on repeating as NEPSAC champions. The team takes on Exeter at home this Saturday at 2 p.m. and hopes to continue their historic run. Come cheer them on live or watch via livestream.
BUILD IT FORWARD—Earlier this fall, we asked two dozen alums, ranging from the class of 1965 to the class of 2013, an open-ended question: What did Williston Northampton build in you? Their answers ran the gamut—creativity, leadership, opportunity, character, and more—but all shared a common theme rooted in their formative experiences at the school and their desire to build the same opportunities for the next generation of students. New videos will be rolling out over the next few months. Please enjoy our first video below with Terry Martin '85 and click here to watch more videos.
Letters from P.D. Eastman '30
“I have always had a warm spot in my heart for Williston because of the circumstances under which I came there,” he wrote from Los Angeles, where as a storyboard artist for United Productions he was helping create the Mr. Magoo cartoons, among others. “It opened its gates to an errant soul in need of adjustment. When you get a bad jolt you need kindness, which I seemed to get at Williston.”
Read more insights from the letters of P.D. Eastman '30 here
Spotlight On Malaika Ross ’88
In both her artwork and her scientific studies, Malaika Ross ’88 celebrates the beauty in nature that often goes unseen. Attending Williston after growing up on St. Croix, she studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, San Francisco Art Institute, and the Marchutz School of Fine Arts before earning her B.A. with a focus on soil microbiology at Hampshire College.
Alumni Events
It was great to see everyone at the Boston Networking event in March at the Boston College Club. Keynote speakers Kelly Williamson Polanco '90 and Sean Andersen '93 addressed the crowd and there was a speed networking session with a variety of professions represented. Thank you to all that served as table mentors for the networking segment. Click here to see photos. Stay tuned for a follow up event!
We enjoyed our time in the nation's capital last week. Thank you to the D.C. alums who filled the Cosmos Club. It was a great night for all! Click here to see photos from the event.
Upcoming events include the LA Brunch on April 30 at Shutters on the Beach and the May 20 reception in Bermuda. Click here to register.
Reunion Registration is live! Join us June 9–11 as we celebrate the 3s and 8s class years and host our first cluster reunion for 2016, 2017 & 2018! Registration is open! Visit the reunion page and register today!
Send us notes or photos for the next issue of the Bulletin! Click here to Submit!
A deep academic passion, the grit learned on a team, the confidence gained from trying something new.
What did Williston build in you?
Build it forward and tell your story when you make your gift to the Williston Northampton Fund. Make an impact today and support what matters to you: academics, arts, athletics, DEIB, financial aid, or where it’s needed most. Then watch these videos of alumni sharing what Williston built in them.
Wondering how the Williston Northampton professional network works? Search our alumni LinkedIn or join WillistonConnects to find alumni who share your professional and personal interests. On WillistonConnects, members of the community are ready and willing to offer advice and perspective no matter where you are in your career journey. And with nearly 1000 members and growing, the Williston Alumni LinkedIn group and affinity groups like the Alumni of Color LinkedIn and the Women of Williston LinkedIn are your go-to resources for professional contacts. Tap into the power of your Wildcat Networks!